Dealing with homework

If there is one topic of conversation almost guaranteed to set off an animated conversation among parents, it’s probably the children’s homework and studying. One particular hot topic is the time and effort needed to complete assignments and study for exams.

Set goals that are appropriate for the child’s age and maturity- Sandy Calleja Portelli

The extent of parental involvement in a child’s education has been shown to have a significant impact on the child’s future success.

Colin Calleja, Let Me Learn co-ordinator for Malta and Europe, says that there is a great deal of evidence that shows that when parents are involved, children do much better academically, are more motivated, more well-behaved and have better self-esteem.

Harking back to the school gates and the parents’ conversation, one will probably note that most parents are well aware of the importance of getting involved.

Indeed, one might overhear snippets of conversation such as “we spent all evening studying for the maths test yesterday”; or “the science project took us all weekend to complete” and wonder exactly whose homework it was.

Homework serves to reinforce the material learnt at school, at times giving children the opportunity to delve deeper than time would allow at school. In the early years, homework also serves to teach pupils good study and work habits that will stand them in good stead later on.

The role of parents is to support their child on the way to becoming an independent learner, confident in their own abilities to tackle an assignment or problem in any area.

Calleja gives parents a few tips on ways to support children with their homework and studies:

Provide a quiet place where children can work and establish a daily routine to help children learn there is a time and place for everything.

Emphasise and communicate the value of learning, self-discipline and hard work.

Set goals that are appropriate for the child’s age and maturity. Recognise and encourage special talents and celebrate any successes and improvement. Maintain a warm and supportive home environment, taking an interest in what is happening at home, help with homework, discuss future aspirations and keep in touch with their teachers.

Encourage reading and writing by reading together, listening to your child read and discuss what is being read.

Learn about your child’s preferred mode of learning and learn how to support them as individuals. Help your child keep track of assignment due dates and forthcoming tests or exams by using a diary or calendar.

Furthermore, if your child is struggling to complete the assigned work, talk to their teacher to find the root of the problem.

Is your child having difficulty keeping up in class? Has he fallen behind due to absence from school? Parent and teacher can support the child as he strives to overcome the difficulties and prosper in education.

Completing your child’s homework is a definite no-no. Apart from the fact that teachers are seldom fooled by an adult’s work parading as a child’s, doing your child’s homework sends a number of negative messages to your child.

Chief among these are that homework is not important in itself, and that one does it merely to stay out of trouble. Another wrong message is that your child is incapable of doing the work on his own – which may lead to low self-esteem in adulthood;

“Parents should support their children as they grow into independent learners. They should promote their children’s preferred mode of learning and support them to achieve their full potential. This type of involvement, which goes beyond simple instruction or drilling of information, will help children grow into self-reliant and independent adults,” says Mr Calleja.

He concludes by emphasing that schools should develop parental education programmes to help parents achieve the necessary skills and to be able to adapt them to meet the needs of their children.

He suggests the development of a parental education coordinator who would help schools organise education programmes tailored to help parents in their quest to support their children in their education.

As mid-yearly examinations and assessments loom on the calendar, this would be the perfect time to take stock of how involved you are in your child’s schooling.

If the idea of tests is already keeping you awake at night, you need to take a step back. If you haven’t the slightest idea of when tests are due, you need to take more interest. For the rest, somewhere in between the two extremes – you’ve probably got the balance just about right.